For the final day of week 3 under BM#66, I am sharing yet another of those Healthy Lunches for Kids. Today's recipe is a twist with your regular Vermicelli Bath with Vegetables and Biryani masala. I called it Pulao as I used all whole spices and it was spicy too.
This was sent only for Konda as my boys won't even look at it. I wish I will soon see those days when they will eat everything! Or as I know some adults who still touching their 30s find it hard to eat vegetables. Anyway, I am an optimistic person!
I already have a couple of similar versions with Vermicelli. It's more like old wine in new bottle types. Tell the kid that it's new and especially for them, they get so taken in by that. Konda enjoyed it much though she did mention she wished so many vegetables were not in it. Well, more the merry is what I said!
Semiya is mostly made as to the regular upma types for breakfast. Chinnu lovers plain semiya assuming it to be the same as Hakka noodles. Of course, it is in a way though different. I pack this for him with just salt and pepper with roasted onions that are removed.
He actually loves that! I do not know how he can enjoy it, he just does and I am not complaining. When I find it hard to pack his breakfast, I resort to this quick dish. I was hoping he will like this pulao version too. But he refused, seeing all those vegetables.
What's different from cooking today's vermicelli from my previous is the cooking method of semiya. I previously used to roast, then add the other ingredients, water, and boil. Finally, add the vermicelli as in Upma.
However knowing that kids may find it sticky by afternoon, I have been cooking it first in water, drain, toss some oil and finally add to the fried masala. This way the semiya stays intact and not mushy.
If you are interested you can check how else this Vermicelli can be cooked like the Vermicelli Pulao, Vermicelli Biryani, Quick Vermicelli Upma, Quick Vermicelli Rava Idli.
Vermicelli Vegetable Pulao
Ingredients Needed:
Roasted Vermicelli - 1 cup
Water 3 cups
For the masala
Bay Leaf - 1 no
Cloves - 2 nos
Cardamom - 1
Cinnamon - 1"
Mixed Vegetables (Potato, Carrots, Peas, Beans) - 1 cup
Onions sliced - 1 medium
Ginger Garlic paste - 1 / 2 tsp
Green chilies - 2 medium
Turmeric powder a pinch
Garam masala powder - 1 / 2tsp
Oil - 2 tsp
Salt to taste
How to make the Pulao
Roast the vermicelli again for a couple of mins. Remove.
In a pan, bring water to boil, add the vermicelli and cook till done. Takes about 5 mins. Drain over a colander and fluff with drops of oil. Keep it aside. This is to ensure the semiya stays nonsticky
Meanwhile, either microwave the vegetables for 5 mins or parboil in a small pan with little water. Keep it aside.
Heat a nonstick pan with oil, temper with all the whole spices, sauté well. Next, add the onions, sauté till browned. Add ginger garlic paste. Add salt, turmeric powder. Sauté well.
Now add the cooked vegetables, give a stir, and add the cooked vermicelli. Mix everything well and simmer for a couple of mins.
Smruti Shah says
Wow Valli, that is a colorful dish that is tasty as well! Love the blend of vegetables and vermicelli!
Ruchi Indu says
the quickest pulao recipe .... I also make this very often
Priya Suresh says
Just prefect to pack too, pulao looks fantastic and sounds quick to dish out during a busy morning.
Archana Potdar says
Looks yum. You seem to have the same problem Kids complaining of too many veggies.
Pavani N says
Colorful pulao with Semya. My kids are quite picky too, but they like this dish with just potatoes, peanuts and peas.
Usha says
Perfect lunch box recipe. Looks colorful and inviting.